This letter to Timothy, the last product of Paul's
pen—was written from the prison at Rome. In his desire to encourage
the young evangelist, he gave him much counsel—counsel which is as valuable
for the Christian today as it was for Timothy.

Paul urged Timothy, "Continue in what you have
learned." 2 Timothy 3:14. That is what we should always do with the good
things we have learned—abide in them, keep them in our hearts—then live
them out. A great many people know a great deal more truth than
they put into practice. The true test of knowing—is doing. We really
only know—what we get into our experience and conduct. A young man said to
his pastor at the close of a year that he had gone through the Bible five
times that year. His pastor asked him quietly, "How often has the Bible gone
through you this year?" "If you know these things—you are blessed if
you do them." John 13:17

Paul reminded Timothy of his home training: "From
childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures." It is a great privilege to
grow up in the atmosphere of Bible teaching, to have for one's teacher a
godly mother, who whispers into her child's ear the truths of God, the
counsels of heavenly wisdom. Such lessons affect the life, even down to its
close. Those who have had such mothers should never cease to be thankful for
them.

The reason for valuing the Scriptures, is that they are
able to make the reader "wise unto salvation". There are different kinds of
wisdom. A man may know a great deal of science, literature, philosophy, and
be very wise in this world's matters—and yet not have found salvation. It is
very clear, that that is not the true wisdom—which fails to show men the way
of eternal life. The true wisdom is found in the Word of God, which reveals
to us our need, and then tells us of God and of Jesus Christ,
and of the way to be saved. This Book may not answer questions about
geology, astronomy, mathematics or world history—but it does answer all
necessary questions about Christian duty, about God, about the way of
salvation.

Someone tells of hearing a sermon in which he said the
distinguished clergyman told him a great deal about the way from
Jerusalem to Jericho—but did not tell him anything about the way from earth
to heaven. How sad!

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for
teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness." Paul
has no uncertain word about the inspiration of the Scriptures. The Bible
alone is the Word of God. Holy men wrote it as they were moved by the Holy
Spirit. There are other good books in the world—but none like the
Word of God. We ought to read the Bible reverently, since God speaks
to us in its pages. We ought to believe it, for His Word must be
absolutely true. We should obey it, since what God commands must be
right. We may yield our whole life to its influence, to be guided and
fashioned by it. It is profitable for teaching—that is, for
instruction in all matters that concern life. It is profitable for
rebuking—it shows us our sins, our follies, our mistakes. It is
profitable for correcting—to bring us back from wrong ways to right
ways. It is profitable for training in righteousness—it gives us
instruction for all true and beautiful living.

"So that the man of God may be complete, equipped for
every good work." The purpose of the Bible is to make complete men of us. If
we follow it in everything, it will show us the right way, it will reveal to
us the perfect ideal of Christian character, it will inspire us to holy
living.

"In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will
judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom,
I give you this charge." Living according to God's Word, we must ever be
conscious that we are living in God's sight. Life is very serious. We
often say it will be a solemn thing to stand before God in judgment. Our
common days are judgment days. We should learn to do everything as in the
sight of God. This makes our every act and word solemn. We should never
leave God out of our life, nor do anything otherwise than we would do it—if
we saw the divine eye looking down upon us!

The Word Timothy had received, he was to give to others.
"Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season," Paul said to
him. He was not preaching with the burning ardor which should characterize a
minister of Jesus Christ. Paul sought to stir him up to do better work. Many
of us need this lesson. We are living, some of us, only half-heartedly,
probably the saintliest of us below our best. From this Roman prison, comes
the call to every young Christian to rouse his best energies in behalf of
Christ.

That a minister's work may not be all soft words, Paul
indicated when he told Timothy that he must be ready to "correct, rebuke and
encourage—with great patience and careful instruction." The minister is to
watch his flock with a shepherd's care. If he sees any of them going
astray, he is not to be indifferent—but must seek to save them. We need
great wisdom, however, when we speak to others of their faults or mistakes,
lest by our lack of tact—we only drive them further away. Words of reproof
should always be spoken in tender love and unwearying patience.

One reason for the faithfulness in preaching, is that
"for the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine.
Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great
number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." We often
hear about the serious responsibility of the preacher—but we should think
also of the responsibility of the hearer. Of course, the teacher should
teach well. There is no excuse for being dreary or dull in presenting the
glorious truths of Christianity. Paul urges Timothy to do his part earnestly
for the very reason that the people would be apt to turn away to fables
instead of listening to the gospel. He must preach the old gospel in such a
way, that the people will be compelled to listen.